READING, Pa – It’s the start of a historic celebration in Berks County.
“It was a really fun experience. I’m here with my mom and experiencing the work of what she’s doing,” said Daileah Rodriguez, a 4th grader.
The flag is up and the Berks County celebrations of the 250th Anniversary of the birth of the United States of America are underway.
“It was really interesting being a part of this,” said Daisy Tavarez, a county employee.
Organizers wanted young people involved for this multi-generational event to teach them the importance of the year-long celebration.
“We had young people here. We did it today because today is Bring Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day, so we wanted to have young kids here with us and celebrate to help raise the flag with us,” said Michael Rivera, Berks County commissioner.
The county commissioners, county employees, and others gathered outside the Services Center to raise a white flag with 250 on it as the crowd looked on.
“On July 8th, 1776, the bell rang in Berks County just a few blocks from here. Not in this exact location, just a few blocks from here, which brought the people of Berks County together to read the Declaration of Independence,” Rivera said.
It begins a celebration that will head into summer with the official county parade being the Wyomissing Parade in July and another event outside the Services Center with live music and a ringing of Berks County’s own Liberty Bell.
“I’m really looking forward to it. We’ve been working on it the past couple of years,” added Rivera.